Martha Christelle Marshburn

Martha Marshburn was born in Thornton, Texas on February 28, 1943, to Charlie Sanders and Nellie Castilow Sanders. One of 8 children, one brother and six sisters, she spent her early years living in Groesbeck, Texas. She moved to Mesquite as a teenager and in 1959, married the love of her life, Wayne Marshburn. In 1983, Martha and Wayne opened their own business, Little Ponderosa Child Care, out of their house. Business quickly boomed and the "glory days" of Little Ponderosa Child Care began. People who live in and around the Mesquite area either attended Little Ponderosa when they were young, or know at least someone who did. Little Ponderosa continues to be a staple in the community and after 40 years, generations of families still return to Little Ponderosa. And for all the same reasons, there was only one Ms. Martha and Mr. Wayne, only one child care center that had the coolest Teepee and the horse drawn wagons too! Martha would treat the children who attended her center as she would treat her own. She worked hard to create a successful thriving business and created countless memories over the years for so many people acting as the Center's Director and the very heart and soul of her business. Despite her passing, the work she did during her lifetime was so influential that her legacy will live on for years and years to come.

Martha enjoyed her cruises, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Martha immediately lit up any room she entered and she made an impact on so many people. She was a joyful presence with her colorful snazzy clothes, sparking jewelry, makeup and hair always so perfect, and had an outfit to match any occasion. She loved shopping, dressing up, and being flashy. Her love for her family was so strong and her strongwilled personality was loved and appreciated by so many. She adored her friends and family, and filled her home with warmth and kindness. We will miss her greatly.

Martha was preceded in death by her father, Charlie Sanders; her mother, Nellie Sanders Dick; her husband, Wayne Marshburn; her brother, Jack; sisters, Ruth, Marsha, Bettie, and Rhonda.

She is survived by her sisters, Darlene Morton and Sue Hendricks; her son, Russell Marshburn and wife Lona Marshburn; daughter, Wendy Marshburn; daughter, Dolly Whitaker and husband Derek Whitaker; grandchildren, Clint Marshburn, Jessica Harris and husband John Harris, Kayla Marshburn and fiance Philip Brewer, and Seth Whitaker; and great-grandchildren, Connor and Kinslee Marshburn and Wrenlee and Bristol Harris.